Maybe Bikram is Right?

For some reason, I had the time to sit down and watch a little television, and as luck would have it, Bikram Choudhury was being interviewed on 60 Minutes Wednesday.My wife, Marie and I dont often get home at that time of the night, as we are usually closing up the wellness center, so this was fate and a bit of luck.Our center does not have 105 degree Bikram classes or hot Yoga classes, but we are familiar with Bikrams style and his wifes many accomplishments. Rajashree Choudhury is a five-time winner of the All-India Yoga Championship competition.I am not a Bikram fan, but I am not swayed by some of the anti-Bikram articles that work their way into the world of Yoga.Before I touch some of the finer points of his interview, I must concede that he snatched the lime light with exuberance and now I know why some love him, while others dont feel so warm and furry about him.I laughed at his rhetoric, equally, as much as watching Jerry Seinfeld or Ray Ramano, do a stand up comedy routine. The man is pure entertainment and he has a point.In reference to his style of yoga, he said  I dont sell cheesecake, you know that. The fact is anyone who visits a Bikram style Yoga class knows what they are getting into. How could you miss 105 degrees Fahrenheit?More to the point, America is a country of extremes and there are estimates that only 10% of the population exercises regularly. While, another 35% of the population, drift in, and out, of exercise, depending upon the season, a fad, or a whim.The remaining 55%, of Americas population, have taken a pledge to avoid exercise at all costs. Maybe the couch potatoes can only grasp the concept of a kick in the pants.Some people need a drill instructor personality and as Bikram would say, torture chamber to understand Yoga. America made him the Guru of the Stars, and he understands public relations. Lets give credit, where credit is due. If you love Yoga and missed this interview, see if you can catch the re-run.There is a strange need, on a massive scale, for stern but loving parent type teachers in Yoga classes. Now if youll excuse me, I am about to organize the Extremely Hot Navy Seals Power Yoga Boot Camp.